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Australia-Korea Foundation 2015-16 funding round open

Media Release

10 March 2015

The Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) is seeking innovative ideas from Australians to work collaboratively with their Korean partners and promote a positive image of contemporary Australia. The funding round closes at 4pm AEST Thursday 16th April.

AKF Chair, Mr Peter Coleman, says “The Foundation is offering grants in education, business, sports, science and the arts. We look to support the creation of Korea-expertise among Australians, building cultural, economic and language knowledge to support engagement across a range of fields.”

The priority areas for the Australia-Korea Foundation in 2015-16 are:

Korean language and literacy;

Economic diplomacy;

Science and innovation (with a focus on health, ageing and social change); and

Sports diplomacy (deepening sports and business relations developed during the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and the forthcoming 2018 Winter Olympics).

“The AKF’s annual grants of between $20-30,000 are intended as seed funding, catalysing financial and in-kind commitments from other partners and leading to longer term partnerships and sustainable outcomes,” Mr Coleman said.

“We particularly encourage applicants from regional Australia to consider the opportunities for engagement with Korea.”

Australia and Korea have strong, complementary economies, vibrant cultures and an enduring commitment to supporting peace and prosperity in our region. Korea is Australia’s third-largest export market with Australian exports of goods and services worth more than $22 billion in 2013-14. The importance of our relationship increases every year. The Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement will further strengthen bilateral and people-to-people ties.

The Foundation has since its establishment 22 years ago encouraged deeper relations between the peoples of Australia and Korea, including promoting greater understanding of Korea by Australians and showcasing Australian excellence and innovation in Korea. The Foundation welcomes projects enhancing Australia’s profile as a dependable country with a unique and creative culture.